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Special Olympics teams take part in Gothia Cup 2012

July 20, 2012

The biggest football tournament for Special Olympics teams this year took place in Sweden at the Gothia Cup.

Lithuania vs Sweden action on the pitch!

Kim Kallstrom Trophy

The biggest football tournament for Special Olympics teams this year has just finished in Sweden. The Kim Kallstrom Trophy Tournament is part of the Gothia Cup (The World Youth Cup) and this year 27 Special Olympics teams from 12 countries took part and they were divided into 6 different Groups. The concept of the Kim Kallstrom Trophy started in 2011 where 21 Special Olympics teams from 7 different countries took part.

Thanks to Kim Kallstrom, the ‘Special Olympics category’ dedicated to players with an intellectual disability, returned this year stronger and better as part of the Gothia Cup 2012 at the Kvieberg fields in Gothenburg from 15 July-19 July. 50,000 people attended the Opening Ceremony at Ulevi Stadium.

Gothia Cup

The Gothia Cup is the world’s largest youth football tournament. It is about creating opportunities where football is the common interest that creates understanding between young people with different abilities. This applies particularly to the understanding of young people living with an intellectual disability.

The Swedish national team player and French top club Olympique Lyonnais player, Kim Kallstrom, took the initiative himself to provide young people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to be part of the Gothia Cup.

Players from Special Olympics team Olympique Lyonnais celebrate victory in their Group during the finals in Heden.

Kim Kallstrom Football Legend

Kim Kallstrom: “During my years as a professional football player I have had the opportunity to meet and inspire lots of children and young people who are active within football. Now I want to share my passion with many more. To give back to children and young people with intellectual disabilities is something I have wanted to do for a long time. My source of inspiration is my grandmother. She worked with children and youths with intellectual disabilities for a long time. My wish is that as many people as possible will get the opportunity to be part of the fellowship and joy that football creates. Taking part in the world’s largest football tournament, the Gothia Cup, will be a memory for life and will increase respect and understanding of people with intellectual disabilities.”

Kim Kallstrom in action with his French team Olympique lyonnais.

Special Olympics players from Cyprus during their match at Kviberg field

Special Olympics Sweden

The Kim Kallstrom Trophy is organized by the Gothia Cup in cooperation with Special Olympics Sweden and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia. The tournament is an integral part of the Gothia Cup and is coordinated by Kim's sister Sanna Kallstrom with very active involvement from Kim's wife Erica and the wider Kallstrom family.